18 arrested in pro-Morsi Friday clashes

Security forces arrested 18 in protests organised by supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi on Friday to decry the latest Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they have launched a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip on Thursday night, almost 10 days after the start of its military operation in the besieged strip. The offensive has thus far left over 300 Palestinians and at least 2 Israelis killed.

The Ministry of Interior said on Friday it arrested eight “rioters” in Giza, seven in Alexandria and three in Luxor.

The pro-Morsi Anti-Coup Alliance said in a Friday statement that “the Egyptian pro-Gaza uprising shall resume so long as the brutal, Zionist offensive on Gaza continues”.

The alliance also announced planned protests on Tuesday against price hikes. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s government increased prices for petroleum products two weeks ago after reducing energy subsidies.

The Anti-Coup Alliance called on the “revolutionaries” to “resist the aggression … the hunger and the impoverishment”. It also called for a rally on 14 August in memory of the first anniversary of the forcible dispersal of the pro-Morsi Rabaa Al-Adaweya sit-in, which left hundreds killed.

Friday protests have become common occurrences as pro-Morsi protesters gather after prayers in support of the ousted Islamist leader.